Relief Tarps

Tarps play a significant role in the recovery efforts after major natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, oil spoils, earthquakes and tropical storms. Used for many different applications, tarps provide both temporary shelter and refuge from heat and foul weather as the recovery efforts take place. In addition, tarp covers can also be used to prevent further damage to buildings and houses when used on rooftops. The temporary coverage provided by the tarpaulin is essential in the recovery process for both the victims and emergency personnel. The tarpaulin is made using woven polyethylene and is then laminated for a finished product that is both durable and waterproof. It is the natural characteristics of polyethylene, which makes the poly tarp so effective in these situations. Polyethylene is not only naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot but is also designed to be both waterproof and UV resistant. The use of the relief tarp can be categorized into four main categories and include temporary roof coverage, ground cover, triage and shelter.


During Hurricane Katrina the tarp was used and widely distributed by FEMA during Operation Blue Roof. Both volunteer and contracted workers installed thousands of tarps to rooftops where damage was evident. The tarp was both a cost effective and dependable solution for temporary coverage and prevented structures from further damage until permanent repairs could take place. The simple act of using a waterproof cover in these relief situations allowed residents to remain in their homes while the recovery efforts continued. The roof tarp is easily installed using strips of 2 x 4 wooden studs and nails.


The tarp can be used as a ground cover for victims as emergency workers provide medical attention as well as an area where essential supplies can be stored. As a ground cover, tarps act as a waterproof membrane and allow vital operations to continue without the disruption of moisture. In addition, the tarp can be used on hillsides and slopes as a way to control erosion after heavy rains. Using a tarpaulin as a ground cover for tents is an ideal way not only prevent moisture from entering the living space but also acts as a protective barrier from hard debris such as rocks and sticks.


In triage situations it is vital to operations that all victims be separated based on the severity of injury. Colored tarps such as Red, Yellow and Green allow emergency personnel to properly and efficiently separate those based on need. Generally, the green tarps are used for the walking wounded or those with non-life threatening injuries. The yellow tarps are used for those with moderate injuries and the red tarps for those that need immediate assistance. The ability to use colored tarps that are both weather resistant and portable is a huge advantage for first responders.


The tarpaulin can be used by itself or in conjunction with a framed structure to provide shelter in the form of a canopy tent. When used with a structure, the tarp provides an instant shelter where rescue operations can take place as well as, a place for those without homes to find refuge. Both the framed structure and the tarp can be made with lightweight materials for easy transport and quick assembly.


The tarpaulin is a vital tool in relief and recovery efforts both before during and after a natural disaster occurs. Whether the tarp is being used for temporary roof repair, as ground cover, triage or as an instant shelter, the benefits are both advantageous and invaluable. Poly tarps are manufactured and available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The strong yet lightweight material makes the tarp cover a key element in any disaster situation.

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Tarps Used In Haiti For Transitional Housing Projects

In response to the recent earthquake in Haiti, thousands of tarps have made there way to relief organizations and are being used for temporary shelters. The usage of tarp covers for the recovery efforts has changed over time. Initially, the tarps were being used as tent like coverage and distributed to thousands of individuals across Haiti. However, as the 2010 hurricane season approaches more structurally sound living environments are needed to help withstand severe weather and protect inhabitants. Many temporary structures have already been built and still thousands more are in development at this time. These temporary structures are being called transitional housing projects as they closely resemble residential housing communities.

The use of tarps has evolved from that of a simple tarp tent to now acting as secure weather barrier for transitional housing units. The tarpaulin walls will not only provide a waterproof environment but will protect residents from the harmful effects of UV. The transitional housing units are also built on an elevated platform, which sits upon stone rubble to further protect residents from problems associated with flooding. For more information on transitional housing in Haiti and how tarps are being used in these efforts please click and read the following article Transitional housing slowly getting built in Haiti.

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Tarps And Supplies Needed For Haiti Relief Efforts

The earthquake in Haiti has affected more than one million people. More than 200,000 people have been injured and more than 300,000 have lost their lives to this devastating natural disaster. Currently, more than a million people are living in temporary shelters throughout Haiti. Government, non-profit and other organizations are in need of more shelter solutions before the onset of the 2010 Hurricane season. Many of these organizations have come together to form what is called the Shelter Cluster. The Shelter Cluster has been actively giving updates on the condition of Haiti and is using sources such as Google groups as a way to get the message out and as a way to get the necessary supplies for the earthquake victims.

In an article distributed by the Red Cross titled Emergency Shelter Reaches Nearly 1 Million Haitians, Gregg McDonald states, “The rains are going to have a massive impact, and things are going to get worse before they get better…Everyone involved in this response needs to do their utmost to make sure people are as prepared as they can be for what is going to be a very tough rainy season." The multitude of uses for tarps is often discussed in articles and can be found throughout the Internet. The waterproof and UV resistant nature of the tarpaulin has been extremely beneficial in past disasters and played an important role in the recovery efforts of Hurricane Katrina. The poly tarp is lightweight, easily transportable and can provide the needed protection from the upcoming rains.

There are now numerous areas throughout United States where supplies can be dropped off for the Haiti relief efforts. If you have any old camping tents, tarps, food or any other supplies that could be used for relief efforts and would like to donate please contact the closest organization in your area or contact the American Red Cross.

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Tarps Needed For Haiti Earthquake Victims.

There has been much in the news lately about the recent events involving the earthquake in Haiti. Relief organizations from around the world are gathering the much needed medical supplies for the thousands of victims. In addition to medical supplies, there are other much needed items such as food, water and shelter, which is currently being gathered through donations and other means.

In an article from CBN.com one American Red Cross representative stated, " We've got a warehouse in Panama where we have supplies like mosquito nets, and tarps and kitchen sets we're working to get there right now...". The article goes on to talk about how US urban search and rescue teams have been deployed to the region from Los Angeles, Fairfax and Miami.

If you would like to read the full article please visit CBN.com

You can also read our most recent article titled "Tarps Play An Important Role In Emergency Recovery Efforts. " By visiting this link (view article)

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